Downtown Pleasanton Offers a Host of Holiday Events in November

By Hacienda Network Staff Writer

The holidays are upon us and one great place to spend them is in Pleasanton's picturesque downtown. Thanks to the combined efforts of the Pleasanton Downtown Association and the City of Pleasanton, there are a number of events during the season which help provide that special holiday feeling for all, no matter their age.

The Pleasanton Downtown Association kicked off the season on Saturday, November 19 with the Third Annual Holiday Spirit Stroll. This event, which is expected to be repeated in 2017, saw participants sample beverages from various sources while enjoying the offerings of downtown retailers. Over 30 downtown merchants were paired with local breweries, wineries, and bars for a festive night sampling beer, wine, and cocktails.

The following night - Sunday, November 20 - saw children and adults alike enjoying this year's Magical Holiday Evening, an annual community favorite which serves as both a downtown open house and a welcoming party for Santa and Mrs. Claus. Downtown shops, restaurants, and businesses greeted the holidays with festive decorations, live music, twinkling lights, and a visit from the North Pole's favorite residents, complete with an opportunity for free photos with St. Nick himself.

The holiday fun is far from over, though. The Saturday after Thanksgiving has been designated Small Business Saturday, which celebrates the Shop Small movement to encourage people to patronize local businesses. Over 30 downtown businesses will be participating in this day-long event, with many offering specials on dining, goods, and services. Balloons, stickers, shopping bags, pet bandanas, pens, and more will be given to customers throughout the day as a thank you for supporting local businesses. Downtown gift cards will be handed out throughout the day to randomly selected shoppers. Everyone is invited to get involved by committing to shop in Downtown Pleasanton on Small Business Saturday on the Pleasanton Downtown Association's Facebook Page, and showing your support by taking selfies at your favorite downtown businesses.

The City of Pleasanton caps off the holiday event calendar on Saturday, December 3 with the Hometown Holiday Celebration. Main Street shuts down at 3:30 pm in preparation for the Hometown Holiday Parade, an annual community favorite, at 5:00 pm. The event will feature all the elements that make parades so much fun, including floats, marching bands, community groups, and more. Following the parade's conclusion at approximately 6:45 pm, a tree lighting ceremony featuring live music, Pleasanton Mayor Jerry Thorne, and Santa Claus himself will take place at the Pleasanton arch on Main Street. Further information on the parade, including details on how to participate and other volunteer opportunities, is available at hometownholiday.com, by calling the Hometown Holiday Hotline at (925) 931-5352, or via e-mail at HometownHoliday@CityofPleasantonCA.gov.

For additional information on the Holiday Spirit Stroll, the Magical Holiday Evening, Small Business Saturday, or any of the organization's other programs, contact the Pleasanton Downtown Association at pleasantondowntown.net or call (925) 484-2199.

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